CHAC Awarded Spark Grant to Launch Appling Active Pathways
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
The Coalition for a Healthy Appling County (CHAC) has been selected as a recipient of the
Georgia Health Initiative’s highly competitive Spark Grant, a transformative funding opportunity
that will support the launch of Appling Active Pathways—a community-led project designed to
foster health equity and inspire long-term wellness in Appling County.
This grant marks a significant milestone for CHAC, a local coalition formed in 2017 through the
Two Georgias Initiative. Over the years, CHAC has become a driving force for community
health, leading innovative, place-based initiatives including a thriving community garden, a
self-sustaining gleaning program, public health screenings, and a pilot remote patient monitoring
program.
With project coordination and ongoing support from Share Health Southeast Georgia, CHAC
has built a reputation for collaborative solutions that meet real community needs. Share Health
is a regional nonprofit committed to advancing health equity and improving well-being across
Southeast Georgia by strengthening community-led initiatives, cultivating partnerships, and
addressing the root causes of poor health. While originally serving as CHAC’s fiscal agent,
Share Health now plays a deeper role in program strategy and implementation—helping ensure
sustainable, community-driven impact.
Now, with the support of the Spark Grant, the coalition is taking its work to a new level.
Appling Active Pathways is a visionary project that will breathe new life into a neglected walking
trail behind the Appling County Ag Center, transforming it into a vibrant, multi-use space for free
fitness programs, nutrition education, and inclusive community events. The trail—which was damaged by Hurricane Helene—sits adjacent to the county’s recreational fields and offers a prime location for accessible wellness programming. Plans include the installation of workout stations, trail signage, lighting for safety, and regular programming such as walking groups and community fitness challenges.
“This project is about more than just a trail,” said CHAC’s Program Coordinator, Livvy Davis. “It’s
about building community, fostering partnerships, and creating a healthier future for all Appling
County residents—especially those who’ve been most impacted by health disparities.”
The spark behind the project stems from a combination of growing community enthusiasm, a
renewed focus on accessible outdoor wellness following the hurricane, and the momentum of
CHAC’s existing programs. These elements came together to form the perfect opportunity for
catalytic investment.
Through partnerships with the Appling County Board of Education, local healthcare providers
like East Georgia Healthcare Center, the Appling County Recreation Department, civic
organizations, churches, and dozens of volunteers, Appling Active Pathways will be a
community-wide effort. CHAC also plans to engage students from Appling County High School’s
Agriculture and Environmental Science programs, encouraging youth leadership and
environmental stewardship.
The year-long project will roll out in three phases: initial planning and site preparation, trail
revitalization, and program launch, followed by community engagement and sustainability efforts.
The final celebration will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony and recognition of key partners and
volunteers.
More than a beautification project, Appling Active Pathways is about systems change. It
embodies the values of trust, equity, courageous leadership, and partnership—core principles of
the Georgia Health Initiative’s Spark Grant program. By creating a safe, welcoming space for
movement and connection, CHAC looks to make a lasting investment in the health of the community.
As the trail is cleared and fitness programming begins, the Coalition hopes to inspire a ripple
effect of positive change throughout the county—and potentially, throughout the state of Georgia. The message is clear: when communities come together with a shared purpose, the path to better health becomes more accessible for everyone.
For more information or to get involved with Appling Active Pathways, visit CHAC’s
Facebook page or contact the Coalition directly through email at
olivia.hiersdavis@sharehealthsega.org.
